Over the past two months, there has been an increasing number of incidents involving broken or shattered windows to area businesses, according to a press release issued by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). Some of the incidents resulted in commercial burglaries.
The LBPD is encouraging business owners and employees to practice the following crime prevention tips in order to protect their businesses from crime:
• Be sure there is adequate lighting. Keep ladders, pallets, and other items that thieves can use to gain access to rooftops secured and away form the building.
• Be sure security cameras are in good working order and maintained regularly. If you are interested in recommended camera specifications to assist law enforcement, email lbpdnorth@longbeach.gov.
• Ensure an after-hours contact person’s information is on file with police dispatch by emailing lbpdnorth@longbeach.gov for information.
• Consider installing an audible alarm system. Visible signs of an alarm system (placards, window stickers, etc.) are deterrents, and a loud alarm is likely to scare off an intruder in the act.
• If your alarm is set off after hours, do not assume it is a false alarm.
• Keep all windows clear of advertising, display materials, and decorations which can screen an intruder from outside view.
• Remove all cash from register(s) nightly and leave the drawer(s) open.
• Call police dispatch at 9-1-1 or (562) 435-6711 to report all suspicious activity or crimes in progress, and coordinate with nearby residences and businesses to do the same.
